Issue no 59
N E W S
A N D
K E Y
I S S U E S
F O R
T H E
C I T Y
O F
L O N D O N
April 2007
cityview www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
CITY COMMUTING
21st century solutions
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUYING
LORD MAYOR OVERSEAS
Fair enough
International exchange
2 C I T Y V I E W
cityviewmagazine Welcome to cityviewmagazine
C O N T E N T S P E R F O R M A N C E
A S S E S S M E N T
Four star rating for City T H E
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cityview is the magazine of the City of London Corporation, provider of local government services for the Square Mile.
I N T E R V I E W
Broad church for the banking community C I T Y
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E V E N T S
Tour de Square Mile C I T Y
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E V E N T S
The French connection S U S T A I N A B L E
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C I T Y
Square deal from the Square Mile C I T Y
T R A N S P O R T
All change please L O R D
10
M A Y O R
Overseas audience for Lord Mayor’s programme A R T S
N E W S
14
F O C U S
Finnish beginnings for modernist designs I N
The magazine is available to download from www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cityview. If you would like a summary of this publication in your language or in an alternative format such as large print, Braille or audio tape, please contact us at
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F O C U S
If you can’t stand the heat… A R T S
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C I T Y V I E W 3 P E R F O R M A N C E
A S S E S S M E N T
Four star rating for City The City of London Corporation has retained its top-grade status in the latest Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and is rated as ‘improving strongly’. CPA is carried out by the Audit Commission among the local authorities of England. The City Corporation was one of only 10 authorities to gain a four star rating for performance and be rated as improving strongly (equivalent to four out of four) for ‘direction of travel’. In its summary of the City’s performance the Audit Commission stated: “The City remains focused on the challenges it faces to maintain its improvement agenda from this high baseline and to further improve value for money.” The CPA looked at how the City Corporation manages its finances and provides value for money but also looked at its main services from a local authority perspective covering benefits, children and young people, culture, environment, housing and social care (adults). The CPA results follow those of the residents’ satisfaction survey – which feed into the CPA score – which showed that 79% of City residents are satisfied with how the City Corporation performs.
Michael Snyder, the City’s Chairman of Policy & Resources, believes that the CPA score is excellent news “but, because of its methodology, is only one of a number of assessments that have to be taken together to get a fuller indication of satisfaction with our services. CPA concentrates on what could be termed ‘resident-focused’services. “The three yearly MORI survey [see the last issue of cityview] and this September’s Corporate Assessment focus on areas beyond just local government services and take into account our promotion and support of the Business City and the extra services we provide for the benefit of London and the wider nation.”
More information www.audit-commission.gov.uk/cpa
O N L I N E
O N L I N E
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liverylivedigest
March Advice group
December EU and me
Net gain
The Glaziers Company has
City unveils advisory council
Slovakian and Slovenian high
Unveiling London’s place in the
appointed Alex Galloway as its
in India
fliers arrive in City for placements
UK Economy
new Clerk. 020 7403 6652
How was it for you? Resident Satisfaction Survey results announced
SureStart in life
January Court in the act Business court comes to the City
February East is east Green light for City’s India Office
Bringing it to the streets
Top marks City Adult Social Services get top rating
Building a brighter future
info@worshipfulglaziers.com
Cass Nursery gives children a
www.worshipfulglaziers.com
SureStart
Partners in time
The Salters' Company
City Fringe celebrates 10 year
flagship charity, The Salters'
anniversary
Institute, has announced the winners of its annual awards. 020 7628 5962
City begins three new recycling
City Academy scoops building
publicity@salters.co.uk
initiatives
award
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4 C I T Y V I E W
T H E I N T E R V I E W
Peter Riddell of The Times talks to Angela Knight, Chief Executive of the British Bankers' Association
Broad church for the banking community Angela Knight – who formally took over as chief executive of the British Bankers’ Association on 1 April – is already one of the highest profile women in the City. She has had three or four careers – depending, she says, on how you add them up. She ran an engineering company in Rotherham, served on Sheffield council,was an MP from 1992 until 1997, served as Economic Secretary to the Treasury for two years covering City matters, and was chief executive of the Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS) for nine years up to last year. This diverse background came in useful when she lost her Commons seat in the Conservative rout of 1997. Some people were suspicious: she was a Tory and had been a member of one of the most unpopular governments of recent times.Was she really planning to try and get back into the Commons? She decided definitely not to stand again within two weeks of the 1997 election and to commit herself to finding another job. The fact that she had been in the Commons for only five years probably helped since she had“not forgotten what real life is like”. So APCIMS took a chance. She is still occasionally asked about whether
The BBA is much more than a voice of the old high street banks. Some 60 countries are represented amongst its members. It does not matter, she says, which nationality a bank is, since all operate under the same UK requirements.
she is planning to go back to politics. And one former ministerial colleague even remarked, with surprise, that she had a“proper job”. Her political contacts, and time as City minister, have helped her in dealings with Government. She praises the activism of Ed Balls and says the Government listens more than it was doing.The role of the City minister is to determine what issues to air. In general, the job is less to do with legislation than with coordination, and building links, particularly over international and European regulatory issues. The City minister, she argues, should be“someone who is on his way up with access and who carries political weight”. It is not about saying“do this or do that”, but recognising when something is an issue and linking with Government. Ms Knight is not a passionate feminist but sees her success as part of a generational shift within business, and the City. When she started in industry 30 years ago, there were no women in engineering in executive positions. But there has been a complete change in business over the last five to 10 years and she suggests that, in a further five years, a 50/50 balance of women to men amongst graduate recruits could shift to 60 to 40 in favour of women. Indeed, she worries about young men losing out compared with young women. Since Ms Knight was appointed BBA chief executive designate last December, her public comments have mostly been about retail banking and complaints about overdraft charges – at least 90 per cent of coverage, she reckons. But the BBA has a much broader range and much of the profits being generated by its members come from their growing wholesale and corporate banking operations. The BBA is also much more than a voice of the old high street banks. Some 60 countries are represented amongst its members. It does not matter, she says, which nationality a bank is, since all operate under the same UK requirements. Not only is the BBA’s
C I T Y V I E W 5
influence on EU wide decisions.And, she says, that while there have been no problems so far with decisions from the ECB affecting primarily the eurozone countries, she is keeping a close eye on the possibility of Britain being excluded. Third, she highlights broader regulatory issues outside the EU, notably the Sarbanes Oxley legislation in the USA and similar questions of extraterritoriality. It is very important that the US and Britain work together around issues of mutual recognition and regulation. The USA is, after all, still the biggest banking market in the world. She also looks to the expansion of banking activities elsewhere in the world.The BBA is an active member of the International Banking Federation, providing its secretariat here. It has developed expertise, for example, on anti-money laundering action.
membership global, but so is the range of interests it addresses. She admits that her members have different interests.The powerful American banks have their own voice, but the BBA can act as a“broad church, almost an umbrella both for retail and big wholesale banks”where there are common interests in maintaining competitiveness. Both the retail and wholesale sides are linked in the BBA’s external representational role dealing with issues such as new clearing arrangements, capital to risk ratios and inter-bank arrangements. Revealingly, when asked about the three main issues she faces as chief executive – apart from retail banking controversies – Ms Knight lists three international matters. First, there is the implementation of the EU’s MIFID directive.This presents complicated questions on capital requirements. Second, there are the TARGET 2 proposals on common settlement and payments systems from the European Central Bank. Incidentally, Ms Knight is relaxed about Britain’s
The BBA works closely with regulators, notably the Financial Services Authority,more now than with the Bank of England, though the latter is still responsible for the broader stability of the financial and banking system.The BBA is also closely involved with both the CBI and City of London Corporation, co-operating in very different roles. She praises the City Corporation for its increased activity, and for facilitating the development of a coherent view on broader questions affecting the interests of financial services and the City - both with Government and with European institutions. She notes the concern of her members with the transport problems of the capital: for instance, when visiting bankers come to London how long it takes them to get in from Heathrow. So Ms Knight sees a continuing, and very busy, role for a trade association in ensuring that its members do not lose out in a fast changing commercial and regulatory scene. London may be the largest financial centre in Europe but it faces constant challenges – and the BBA has to be alert to“what is coming down the line”. Peter Riddell is Chief Political Commentator of The Times
6 C I T Y V I E W
C I T Y
E V E N T S
Tour de Square Mile One of the biggest sporting events of the year will be coming to the Square Mile in July with the first stage of the Tour de France 2007. Some of the greatest names in cycle racing will be fighting for the famous Yellow Jersey with London and Kent set as venues for ‘Le Grand Départ’. This follows the tradition of beginning the competition’s first leg somewhere different each year – either France or another country – reinforcing the race’s wide appeal. The first stage will begin in Westminster on 8 July and enter the City when the riders cross Blackfriars Bridge. They will travel past St Paul’s Cathedral, down Cannon Street and Queen Victoria Street to Bank and then head east towards and over Tower Bridge. With this lengthy route there should be plenty of opportunities for Londoners and visitors to get a prime view of the event for free. In addition to the race, there will be a bicycle stunt display and a bike try-out roadshow, both near St Paul’s. They will be preceded by the opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square on Friday 6 July and a time trial in central London on Saturday 7 July. For a sneak preview of events, a Tour de France roadshow is also booked for Liverpool Street at lunchtime on 25 May. Those directly affected by road closures or other elements will be contacted directly. Bringing the Tour to London is part of a broader campaign to promote and increase cycling in London.The initial aim is to encourage more Londoners to use cycling as a mode
© ASO - Bruno Bade
of transport and increase the number of people cycling by 80% between the year 2000 and 2010. The Tour offers opportunities to promote the Square Mile as a visitor destination.This visitor focus links with the One Square Mile publication, the new City Information Centre (due to open late summer) and a web site to be created for visitors (business and tourist). More information on the Tour de France (or for closure information) 0845 305 1234 www.tourdefrancelondon.com More information on visitor initiatives 0207 332 3099
Dr Bike
national standard cycle training at a heavily subsidised
To encourage further cycling in
rate. Sessions will be held
the Square Mile, the City
reguarly on-street across the
Corporation is laying on a
City throughout May and June.
rolling programme of free bike
In addition, an on-site service
maintenance sessions. Expert
to City businesses can be
mechanics will be on hand to
offered where there is sufficient
give advice and carry out
demand. More information
basic repairs. There will also be
020 7332 1710
an opportunity to sign up for
plans@cityoflondon.gov.uk
C I T Y V I E W 7
C I T Y
E V E N T S
The French connection The Tour de France is not the only
under its conductor Laurence
Berlioz's Requiem with Yan Pascal
‘gallic’ influence coming to
Equilbey. Both bring UK premières
Tortelier and the London
London this summer. The City
of works by leading French
Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.
of London Festival will also have
composers. Non-classical music
Other highlights include a blind
a distinctive French flavour as
includes jazz and world
tasting of fine French music and
part of its ongoing theme of
music, reflecting the cultural
wine in Vintners' Hall, Sir Willard
‘Trading Places’.
richness and diversity in
White (below right) in
France today.
Fishmongers' Hall, paying his
Celebrating links between the
unique vocal tribute to Paul
City and other trading centres
The 2007 Festival also marks the
Robeson, and Heinrich Schiff
around the world, the 2007
200th anniversary of the
(right) playing all six of Bach's
Festival will look to France but will
parliamentary abolition of the
cello suites in two concerts
continue to offer a wide-ranging
slave trade and among the
in West Smithfield. Lovers of
and eclectic programme: music
highlights is a newly
choral and organ music will
of various kinds, opera, literature,
commissioned opera by Julian
find much to enjoy throughout
installations and exhibitions of
Joseph and Mike Phillips. This tells
the Festival, which includes a
visual arts, film screenings,
the story of George Bridgetower,
five-day celebration of French
architecture walks and talks.
son of a slave, who was a violin
choral music.
prodigy, studied with Haydn, It will include many French works,
played with Beethoven and
The Festival's special relationship
old and new, and feature some
settled in London under the
with BBC Radio 3 is marked by a
of the very best performers –
patronage of the Royal Family.
series of concerts in the City's
already established or future
Another remarkable violinist and
historic churches.
stars. Several groups will be
public figure of the 18th century,
making UK debuts, including the
the French musician and soldier
The Festival runs from 25 June to
chamber orchestra Les Siècles
Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was
12 July.
under its conductor Francois-
also the son of a slave and his
Xavier Roth (with its unique
music is represented as well.
presentation of music from across
More information
the centuries, using period and
Two major concerts take place in
0845 120 7502
modern instruments) and the
St Paul's Cathedral: The Soweto
admin@colf.org
chamber choir Accentus
Gospel Choir (below) and
www.colf.org
8 C I T Y V I E W
S U S T A I N A B L E
C I T Y
Square deal from the Square Mile Fairtrade has moved rapidly up the agenda over recent years – becoming increasingly prominent in the marketplace and in the media. It has now become the preferred choice for socially responsible buyers and for many companies fits into existing Corporate Social Responsibility schemes. Fairtrade is an independent certification body which guarantees a better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world. Poor market access and unfair trade rules mean that the price many were paid did not cover production of their goods. Fairtrade gives a guaranteed price, regardless of fluctuating markets, meaning farmers can provide for their families and plan and invest for the future. There are international implications as integrated and environmentally responsible farming (such as conserving forests) is encouraged in the scheme. A ‘social premium’is also included in the price charged for Fairtrade products which
More information 020 7332 1431 emma.bara@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.sustainable-development.gov.uk www.london-accord.co.uk
goes directly towards the needs of the communities in these developing areas. The City Corporation sees its involvement in the Fairtrade Campaign as being particularly relevant. As a major purchaser of goods and services the City, and its stakeholders, can make a significant impact on the supply chain and subsequently to the developing world. In addition, as the organisation that promotes the Square Mile, it has an interest in ensuring these small businesses can play their part in global trade and development – access to markets being a key theme for the business City. Supporting Fairtrade helps achieve these goals and more. Not only do farmers in developing countries benefit but there are advantages to organisations that
C I T Y V I E W 9
Fair trade is just one of a range of
Work on the latter includes an
devise solutions to these pressing
opened up. The rapid
‘corporate citizenship’
adaptation strategy for the City,
problems, and will enhance
development of the City’s
challenges that have come to
the development of a new
commerce as new markets and
carbon markets is a prime
prominence recently. As the
scheme to encourage businesses
opportunities are identified and
example of this in action.
champion of the world’s leading
to cut carbon emissions and a
international financial and
major research project
business centre, the City of
(co-sponsored by The City
London Corporation is working in
Corporation, BP, Reuters and
partnership with the Square
Zyen Consulting) focussing on the
Mile’s financial community, the
finance of climate change.
Government and other bodies, to address issues as diverse as
The unique concentration of
international development and
talent, enterprise and innovation
climate change.
within the Square Mile can help
Guildhall, Mansion House and other City venues have been exploring with their contractors how to incorporate Fairtrade products into the City Corporation’s work.
support the scheme. Investing in Fairtrade can mean companies making an investment in the countries in which they do business, adding value to their operations, instilling a sense of pride amongst staff (86% of employees expressed a desire for their own companies to be socially and environmentally responsible in a 2005 Ipsos MORI survey) and sending a message to clients about the way they like to do business. There is strong support for this approach, demonstrated by the presence of companies such as Aviva, KPMG, Sainsburys and Overbury on the City Fairtrade Steering Group. The group organised a business breakfast during Fairtrade Fortnight in February at which the benefits of Fairtrade were explained to Square Mile companies. Those presenting included Erica Kyere, representing a Ghanaian cocoa cooperative, who described the full impact of what Fairtrade can achieve to the City audience (Erica is pictured above second left with Reverend George R. Bush, Chair of the City Fairtrade Steering Group, Charlotte Borger, Head of Communications, Divine Chocolate – hosting and facilitating Erica’s visit – and Chairman of the City’s Policy & Resources Committee Michael Snyder). Guildhall, Mansion House and other City venues have been exploring with their contractors how to incorporate Fairtrade products into the City Corporation’s work as host to business and community events and in welcoming foreign dignitaries to the UK. As a result, the Ghanaian state delegation was treated to a dinner incorporating a wide-range of Fairtrade ingredients in March.
The City Corporation already has a local procurement policy that ties in with its urban regeneration work. The City knows that the Square Mile cannot prosper in isolation, which is why it works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs to regenerate them for mutual benefit. The local procurement initiative covers not only food but all the City’s activities as part of this effort, before it looks to the UK as whole for additional alternatives. Fairtrade offers that extra step for sustainable procurement options in keeping with the theme of improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities. Such an approach is also in line with the Government’s national action plan on sustainable procurement. In the foreword to the Procuring the Future report Sir Neville Simms, Chairman of the Sustainable Procurement Task Force, writes “Sustainable procurement – in short using procurement to support wider social, economic and environmental objectives, in ways that offer real long-term benefits – is how the public sector should be spending taxpayers’money. Anything less means that today’s taxpayers and the future citizen are both being short-changed.” Michael Snyder believes that the City’s new Fairtrade policy is in keeping with the overall principles of the organisation.“Because we represent the City we should always be at the forefront of key issues such as sustainable and socially responsible procurement. By taking the lead in this area, we are setting an example to others and showing how the Square Mile itself can benefit economically while being a good ‘corporate citizen’.”
10 C I T Y V I E W
C I T Y
T R A N S P O R T
All change please Each weekday morning more than 250,000 workers pour into the Square Mile through its railway stations. Transport improvements are always a priority for City workers – whether it is punctuality, carriage numbers, cleanliness or safety. But this year will see the start of major changes that should make the trip into work less stressful for many of them. Although not responsible for transport itself, the City Corporation has as one of its main aims a commitment to provide everything the Square Mile needs to survive and thrive – including better transport infrastructure. As part of this, the City encourages transport providers to improve their stations and, as a result, exciting proposals for Cannon Street station are due to take shape this summer. The existing Cannon Street station buildings were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Already considerable congestion occurs during peak periods. Passenger usage is also expected to increase by 22% over the next 10 years, so passenger access and circulation needs to be improved. The opportunity is being taken to upgrade both the national rail and underground stations as part of the
office redevelopment above the station. In addition to substantially improving passenger movement and providing more capacity for the future, the new station will be brighter and have modern facilities including new retail areas and a new ticket office. The scheme will also offer full disabled access. The underground station entrances and ticket hall will be substantially improved and step-free access will be provided to west-bound services. As part of a separate initiative, the City Corporation and London Underground are looking at ways to enable step-free access to the east-bound services. The station will remain open throughout the construction period and train services should be unaffected. Work is due to be completed in summer 2010. As if one new station isn’t enough, Blackfriars station is also due to be rebuilt. The plan is to completely remodel this station, lengthening the platforms to accommodate longer trains and extending the station canopy over the bridge, providing an additional station entrance on the South Bank. Blackfriars Underground station will also be rebuilt with wider platforms. In future there will be a single, wider entrance and ticket barrier for the two stations. There will be escalator and lift access to all platforms
Blackfriars
C I T Y V I E W 11
and the whole station will be brighter with modern facilities.
The £21m improvements to Cannon Street will be funded by an office development The Blackfriars improvements are part of the £3.5bn
During this work the national rail station will mostly remain open, closing only at weekends and for one period of four weeks which will cover weekdays too. District line trains will continue to run, but for two years the trains will not call at Blackfriars. The date for work beginning has yet to be announced and is dependent on funding.
Thameslink programme Cannon Street has an annual footfall of 17.5m Blackfriars has an annual footfall of 7.8m Cannon Street station opened in 1866, originally fronted by the City Terminus hotel. The towers at the riverside are the only part remaining The first Blackfriars station opened in 1864, located on the South Bank, close to where the
The Blackfriars improvements are part of the Thameslink Programme which now has all the necessary planning permissions and powers. The City Corporation is pressing the Government to commit to funding the scheme. If funding is authorised in the near future, the works in the central area could be completed by 2011, in time for the Olympics. By this date the trains would also be longer, with 12 carriages. By 2015 improvements elsewhere on the network would make the trains more frequent and link Blackfriars and City Thameslink to stations such as Cambridge, Kings Lynn and Peterborough.
new entrance will be The station now called Blackfriars opened in 1886, but was known as St Paul’s until 1937 Cannon Street underground station opened in 1884
Minor improvements can also have a positive impact on people’s journey into work. Whilst not on such a grand scale as the Cannon Street and Blackfriars schemes, there are other more modest improvements underway in the Square Mile. St Paul’s tube station is currently being modernised
and will benefit from a new CCTV system, help points with induction loops, refurbishment of the wall, ceiling, floor and platform surfaces and installation of tactile paving to help visually impaired people. Following a suggestion from the City of London Access Group, new ‘tip-up’seats will be installed at Bank station this spring. The platform lighting at City Thameslink will be improved in the near future and a new information system is planned for Liverpool Street to replace the current clapper board. Blackfriars and City Thameslink stations will also have refurbished toilets this year. Discussions are underway to improve Bank station in the longer term. As regular readers of cityview will know, the City Corporation is continuing to press for the Crossrail project to begin. The east-west rail link would enhance Liverpool Street and Farringdon stations, relieve overcrowding on the underground and build in extra capacity to meet the anticipated population expansion in the Square Mile in the next 10 years. The City’s Chairman of Policy & Resources Michael Snyder believes that all these schemes, both large and small, are essential to the Square Mile’s position.“We are the leading international financial and business centre and we need a transport system to match. These projects will encourage more firms to locate in the City and address many of the concerns of workers who are our key asset. We will continue to push for progress on Crossrail because it is essential if London is to keep its competitive edge in financial services.”
Cannon Street More information 020 7332 1710 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/transport
12 C I T Y V I E W
L O R D
M A Y O R
Overseas audience for Lord Mayor’s programme There has been a familiar theme developing in Lord Mayors’ visits programmes over the past few years – namely the inclusion of China and India. They once again form a major part of the visits schedule but this time for Lord Mayor John Stuttard’s year of office. This ties in with visits there by his predecessors, those of Chairman of Policy & Resources Michael Snyder and with the work of the City Corporation’s Economic Development Office in developing links with these growing markets. The City is always looking to promote its expertise in the raising of capital, insurance, asset management, infrastructure finance and consultancy, and the exchanges of London. As the international ambassador for the Square Mile and UK-based financial services, Alderman Stuttard will be visiting both countries, and others, to reinforce the City’s experience in these areas. The Lord Mayor’s role, and that of the City of London Corporation as a whole, is to represent the City both at home and abroad. The visits programme is a vital part of this work and alongside general City promotion the Lord Mayor also works to take the City’s message to key decision makers and legislators in the UK and Brussels. He is accompanied on many visits by delegations of senior City business figures – which already included Dr Chris Gibson-Smith, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, Andre Villeneuve, Chairman of Euronext.LIFFE, and Sir Thomas Harris,Vice Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank. The high profile visits to China and India build on the representation that has already been established in both countries to keep the momentum going with the business communities there. Representatives are now working on behalf of the City in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, and a City Office has been established in Mumbai. India and China are two of the ‘BRIC’countries
The Lord Mayor’s role, and that of the City of London Corporation as a whole, is to represent the City both at home and abroad. The visits programme is a vital part of this work. (Brazil, Russia, Indian and China) generally recognised to be those with the largest growth potential, and therefore liable to have the greatest impact in financial services, in the coming years. Alderman Stuttard will be the first Lord Mayor to visit all four in his year of office but they form only part of his visits schedule – taking in such diverse countries as South Africa, Poland, and Vietnam. Any Lord Mayor’s year reflects the general direction of the City Corporation and events in the wider business City. It also builds on the individual strengths and experience of the incumbent. 2007 will see Alderman Stuttard visiting countries where there is already a large involvement by the City, such as Kuwait, and others where the Lord Mayor has established links. Finland and China are examples of the latter. Alderman Stuttard has strong contacts
C I T Y V I E W 13
there, having worked extensively in both countries, knowing the key players and having in-depth knowledge of the issues facing each and how the City can respond.
work in Islamic finance (for example in carbon emissions trading or corporate governance) – to ensure a coherent approach to overseas business promotion.
As an example, Qatar, which the Lord Mayor visited in February, is an oil-rich country that wants to shift from exporting its wealth to diversifying its economy and managing more of its own assets.To do this it is exploring ways to be less dependent on its oil and create more enterprise and initiative.The City can advise on such issues as encouraging small businesses and private enterprise, raising private capital and accessing foreign markets.
But as well as the ‘corporate’duties of the role, the Lord Mayor also has the opportunity to promote his own theme for the year. For Alderman Stuttard this has meant promoting the benefits of training and working in the UK and of the benefits of UK professional qualifications and business education. City of London – City of Learning has become a brand for encouraging people to look to the UK for their expert study – particularly students from the Gulf, India and China where the need for expertise in these sectors is increasing .
2007 visits programme 28 March - 5 April Kazakhstan Russia
The visits are often reciprocal. A meeting at Mansion House in November looked at the future of Kazakhstan and delegates included its President Nursultan Nazarbayev (pictured opposite with the Lord Mayor at Mansion House) along with representatives from key city institutions to discuss possible opportunities in this mineral rich area. By the time this edition of cityview is distributed, the Lord Mayor will have returned the compliment by visiting the cities of Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan. The Lord Mayor’s visits are coordinated in collaboration with the Foreign Office, UK Trade & Investment, IFSL and with organisations such as the Securities and Investment Institute – supporting its
Skills abroad Alderman’s Stuttard’s passionate belief in the work of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) goes beyond just it being one of his chosen charities for the year – it has also tied in with his visits abroad. His trip to Ghana in January gave him the opportunity to see the work done by volunteers there who share their skills to make a practical lasting impact on peoples’ lives. In March he welcomed the Ghanian President to Guildhall, during a state visit, which included many Fairtrade products on the menu as part of a drive to give producers a fairer deal.
16 - 17 April Portugal (EU Pre-Presidency) 20 April - 5 May Southern China Malaysia Vietnam 19 - 27 May India 3 - 8 June Denmark Finland
The Lord Mayor sees this as another area in which the Square Mile is a leading service provider and can offer facilities and expertise that no other financial capital can match covering such subjects as accountancy, asset management, dispute resolution, insurance, property and shipping.
10 - 12 July Poland 23 August - 1 September Brazil 1- 9 October South Africa 13 - 28 October
More information or to express an interest in being
Northern China
involved in one of the Lord Mayor’s visits
Hong Kong
020 7332 3099
Republic of Korea
pro@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lordmayor www.cityoflondonlearning.org.uk
14 C I T Y V I E W
A R T S
F O C U S
If you can’t stand the heat… Samuel Pepys rescuing his bags of gold at 4am in his nightshirt; a woman rescuing an apron full of chickens from the flames and attacked by a mob thinking she was an arsonist carrying fire balls; Robert Hubert, the scapegoat for the fire, hanged before an official enquiry exonerated him. We may be familiar with facts of the Great Fire of London but what do we know about the people who lived through the terror of having their homes and livelihood destroyed? Focusing on eye-witness accounts, London’s Burning – the Great Fire
The fire began in the early hours
and rebuilt itself. The blame,
of London 1666 is a new
of Sunday 2 September 1666
recriminations and summary
exhibition at the Museum of
and five days later only a fifth of
justices are all here - as are the
London which reveals the
the City remained standing. A
plans for new beginnings,
personal side of the tragedy.
17th century oven matching the
designed by Christopher Wren
likely culprit for the fire’s origin in
and others, rejected for cost
A dramatic video installation
Pudding Lane is on display, next
reasons. But these sit side by side
transports visitors back to the
to the hopelessly ineffectual fire
with moving artistic responses to
streets of 17th Century London
fighting equipment of the day.
the Great Fire, and the legal
and lets them experience how
procedures that were its legacy.
a bustling city, full of merchants,
London’s Burning also tells of a
traders and craft workers,
city’s remarkable survival, how
collapsed into ruins.
London responded to the fire
London’s Burning is now open.
More information www.museumoflondon.org.uk
C I T Y V I E W 15
A R T S
F O C U S
Finnish beginnings for modernist designs “The ultimate goal of the architect… is to create a paradise. Every house, every product of architecture… should be a fruit of our endeavour to build an earthly paradise for people.” Whether or not you agree with his sentiments, readers can judge for themselves if Finnish architect Alvar Aalto achieved his goals by viewing an exhibition of his work now on display at the Barbican Art Gallery. Models, drawings, photographs, archive film and artefacts from 14 of his key projects, built mainly in Scandinavia, show how his approach to architecture developed over 60 years. Aalto is seen as one of the masters of modernism – one of the central figures of 20th century architecture and design. He was as much concerned with the interiors of his buildings as the structure and items such as his famous stacking stool, glassware, light fittings and textiles are also on show (see if you can detect
one can test a variety of new
One person definitely influenced
wall made from paper tubes
echoes of his work in the products
ideas that would be impossible to
by Aalto is leading Japanese
form a key element of the
of certain popular furnishing
apply to the present-day process
designer Shigeru Ban through
exhibition design.
suppliers!).
of mass production. The outcome
whose eyes Aalto’s work is seen in
of these experiments can be
the exhibition. Well known for his
Despite the generation and
Domestic buildings, cultural, civic
more widely applied and
use of materials such as paper
geographical divide between
and religious buildings, industrial
eventually become available for
tubes to create remarkable
the two, this exhibition looks at
estates and urban planning to
everyone.” This statement seems
structures, Ban’s physical work
the themes that link both
furniture, light fittings, glass, textiles
very much in keeping with Aalto’s
does not seem to follow the style
architects and their shared
and jewellery – Aalto’s work
belief that architecture should
of Aalto but his design philosophy
approach to design.
stretched across them all.
defend the ‘little man’ and that
does. Ban’s flowing ceiling and
design could have an important “An individual architectural
psychological effect (seen in his
assignment can serve as a
approach to the Paimio
laboratory for experiments, where
Tuberculosis Sanatorium 1929-33).
Alvar Aalto Through the Eyes of Shigeru Ban is on display at the Barbican Art Gallery until 13 May. More information 0845 1207550 www.barbican.org.uk/gallery
16 C I T Y V I E W
N E W S
I N
B R I E F
...and finally
Future development framework The City of London Corporation is
The City Corporation identified a
looking for your view on subjects
series of issues that the Core
such as transport, shopping,
Strategy should address and
housing, employment and
consulted the City’s diverse
From July 1 smoking in most
heritage that will help it form the
stakeholders in summer last year.
enclosed and partially enclosed
Core Strategy of its future planning
It is now looking for your views on
public premises and workplaces
policies for the Square Mile.
Preferred Options on the topics
A breath of fresh air
(including vehicles) in England will
and a series of focused meetings
be against the law. For the City
The Core Strategy is the first of a
will take place in April-May 2007
this will mean everyone can work,
series of planning documents that
at the City Marketing Suite.
visit and relax in the Square Mile
will together form the City’s Local
free from second-hand smoke.
Development Framework. Other
For further information about this
documents will flow from it and
consultation or to take part in the
This covers offices, shops, pubs,
will contain more detailed
meetings contact us on 020 7332
bars, public transport, taxis and
policies and proposals to put its
1712 or ldf@cityoflondon.gov.uk
work vehicles used by more than
strategy into practice.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ldf
one person. Indoor smoking rooms will no longer be permitted, with limited exemptions for hotels.
WiFi is go!
Assessment on the agenda
operate no-smoking policies but
This month sees the launch of the
Between 3 and 14 September,
all businesses and employers still
City’s cutting-edge new WiFi
the City of London Corporation
need to check the new
mobility network.
will be visited by a team of
Many City premises already
requirements to ensure that they
inspectors from the Audit
fully comply. The Department of
Operated by The Cloud, the
Commission – which ensures
Health will be sending information
network will offer state of the art
public money is spent wisely to
packs to businesses to prepare
coverage across the Square Mile,
achieve high-quality local
them for compliance and City
enabling the City’s 350,000
services. They will be carrying out
Corporation officers will be
workers and many visitors to stay
a “corporate assessment”
providing additional local advice
connected while out and about.
inspection as part of the CPA
and guidance (including
With broadband speeds and
regime (see page three).
reducing smoke-related litter).
support for internet browsing, VoIP calls, enterprise applications,
The focus will be on how
Going ‘smoke free’ is expected to
media downloading and sharing
effectively the City Corporation is
save thousands of lives over the
(as well as internet gaming on
working corporately and with its
next decade and experience in
devices like the Nintendo DS),
partners, such as the City Police
other countries has shown it can
there’s no shortage of great
and the City and Hackney
be better for business even in
reasons to get online wirelessly.
Primary Care Trust, to improve
the hospitality sector.
services and deliver improved The Cloud’s network enables
outcomes for residents,
More information
users to get online with their
businesses, workers and visitors.
Reducing smoke-related litter
existing service provider (such as
It is expected that the inspectors
020 7606 3110 ext 2212
BT Openzone, O2 and Vonage) or
will be holding focus groups with
Cleansing.streetcleansing@
to choose from flexible, low cost
workers and residents, as well
cityoflondon.gov.uk
tariffs. Just connect to ‘WiFi Zone
as interviewing individuals within
Compliance
– The Cloud’ and open your
the City Corporation and its
0800 169 1697
browser to get online!
partner agencies.
Smoking quitter programmes
More information
More details will follow in the next
for employees rsq.org.uk
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/wifi
edition of cityview.
www.smokefreeengland.co.uk